Search

BACKGROUND: The organochlorine dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), a known estrogen mimic and endocrine disruptor, has been linked to animal and human disorders. However, the detailed mechanism(s) by which DDT aFFects cellular physiology [...]

BACKGROUND: An equivocal literature exists regarding the relation between persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs) and endometriosis in women, with differences attributed to methodologies. OBJECTIVES: We assessed the association between POPs and [...]

BACKGROUND: Exposure to organochlorine compounds (OCs) can alter thyroid function in humans, and hypothyroidism during early life can adversely affect a child's neurodevelopment. OBJECTIVES: In this study we aimed to [...]

This study aimed to investigate the organochlorine pesticide residues in fish sold in markets and fishing sites in Abidjan, Cote d'lvoire. Pesticides are not only used in agriculture but also in public health for the prevention of malaria. However, pesticide residues may be found in foodstuffs. Contamination of foods by pesticides can give rise to carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic effects. Pesticides are also accountable for toxic effects on the nervous, immune, reproductive, renal, hepatic and hematopoietic systems. For the present study, one hundred fish specimens representing five fish species collected from markets and fishing sites were analyzed. Analyses were performed with the help of a Gas Chromatograph (GC), brand Agilent Instruments 6890N equipped with two micro-electrons capture detectors (µECD), two Zebron capillary columns (ZB-5MS and ZB-1701P; 30 m x 0.25 mm x 0.25 µm), an automatic injector and monitored by a microcomputer equipped with the ChemStation plus software version 2002. The injection was done in Splitless mode and Nitrogen N50 was used as vector gas. Of the 16 organochlorine pesticides considered in this study, 11 were present in the samples analyzed, at various concentrations ranging from 0.4 to 14.4 µg.[kg.sup.-1] of fresh product. Samples were mostly contaminated by Dichloro Diphenyl Dichloroethane (DDD). The catfish, with a total average concentration (27.2 µ g.[kg.sup.-1] of fresh product) was the most contaminated species. Heads (27.8 µg.[kg.sup.-1] of fresh product) and viscera (17.5 µg.[kg.sup.-1] of fresh product) were, respectively the most contaminated parts of the fish species analyzed. The fishing port of Vridi was the most contaminated site. The species collected on this site presented a total average concentration of 24.4 µg.[kg.sup.-1] of fresh product. The comparison of total concentration mean of organochlorine pesticides in species collected, with the maximum residue limits (MRL) set for the fishery products, sµggests that health risks faced by populations in Abidjan through fish consumption are currently low. Key words: Organochlorine pesticides, GC, Fish, Consumption, INTRODUCTION Pesticides are products used for the protection of plants, the fight against pests and the preservation of foodstuffs during storage. Residues deriving from their use may be found in [...]

The route of absorption of ingested compounds is a determinant of their distribution and metabolism. Portal vein absorption results in direct transport to the liver, where metabolism may take place before extrahepatic delivery. Lymphatic absorption can result in delivery of parent compound to nonhepatic tissues. Understanding the fate of an ingested compound requires determination of the importance of each of these routes. Portal vein absorption can be estimated from the difference in concentrations of an ingested compound between the portal vein and peripheral vessel blood. To make these estimations, one must make assumptions on the basis of estimates of flow rate and dilution. We report here methodology that allows a direct measurement of portal vein absorption that is independent of these assumptions. Mesenteric lymph was diverted from rats by cannulation. Portal blood was sampled after duodenal infusion of a bolus of compound of interest along with a portal absorption marker, 3-O-methylglucose. Since lymph was diverted, the appearance in portal blood was solely the result of portal absorption. Absorption was quantified by the areas under the curve for the compound and marker. Portal absorption was a function of the octanol/water partition coefficients for four organochlorine compounds: hexachlorobenzene, pentachlorophenol, DDT, and its metabolite 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bischlorophenylethylene. mesenteric lymph duct; DDT; 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bischlorophenylethylene; hexachlorobenzene; pentachlorophenol; 3-O-methylglucose

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) collected from three locations around the northern Baltic Sea in 2003-2004 showed large spatial and individual variation in their organochlorines (OCs) (polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans and polychlorinated biphenyls). This variation could be explained only partly by their size or sea age. The variability arose from the differences in salmon diet, trophic position, and prey OC concentrations and lipid content. A salmon bioenergetics accumulation model was used to evaluate the contribution of salmon growth and their diet to the observed individual variation in OC content. Our model revealed that the contribution of three main prey species in the OC accumulation of salmon varied markedly between the study areas. Amount of lipids in salmon explained a large proportion of their OC concentration. However, trophic position of salmon calculated from the [delta][sup.15]N values explained almost 80% of the variation in lipid-normalized OC concentrations. In the Gulf of Finland, where OC concentrations of salmon were highest, their prey species had the highest OC concentrations and trophic positions. Higher OC concentrations in the Gulf of Finland might be related to elevated trophic positions caused by invasion of the predatory cladoceran Cercopagis pengoi in 1990. Des saumons (Salmo salar) recoltes a trois sites autour du nord de la Baltique en 2003-2004 affichent d'importantes variations spatiales et individuelles de leurs concentrations de composes organochlores (OC; dibenzo-p-dioxines polychlorees et furanes et biphenyles polychlores). La taille des poissons et le temps passe en mer n'expliquent que partiellement cette variation. La variabilite provient de differences dans le regime alimentaire et la position trophique des saumons, de meme que des concentrations d'OC et de lipides de leurs proies. Un modele bioenergetique d'accumulation chez le saumon a servi a evaluer la contribution de la croissance et du regime alimentaire des saumons a la variation individuelle d'OC observee. Notre modele revele que les contributions des trois especes principales de proies a l'accumulation d'OC chez les saumons varient considerablement d'une zone d'etude a l'autre. La quantite de lipides chez les saumons explique une proportion importante de leur concentration d'OC. Cependant, la position trophique des saumons calculee d'apres les valeurs de [delta][sup.15]N explique presque 80 % de la variation des concentrations normalisees d'OC dans les lipides. Dans le golfe de Finlande ou les concentrations d'OC chez les saumons sont les plus grandes, les especes de proies possedent les concentrations d'OC les plus fortes et occupent la position trophique la plus elevee. Les concentrations plus eleve es d'OC dans le golfe de Finlande peuvent etre relies a des positions trophiques superieures resultant de l'invasion du cladocere predateur Cercopagis pengoi en 1990. [Traduit par la Redaction], Introduction Baltic Sea fish, in general, possess very high concentrations of organochlorine compounds (OCs), such as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). PCDD/F and PCB concentrations in [...]

Organochlorines, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and p,p'-dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethene (p,p'-DDE), the major degradation product of p,p'-dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane (p,p'-DDT), though banned in the U.S. in the 1970s, are highly persistent in the [...], BACKGROUND: Previous literature suggests an association between organochlorines and behavioral measures in childhood, including inattention. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to assess whether prenatal organochlorine exposure is associated with measures of attention in early infancy. METHODS: We investigated an association between cord serum polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and p,p'-dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethene (DDE) levels and measures of attention from the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS) in a cohort of 788 infants born 1993-1998 to mothers residing near a PCB-contaminated harbor and Superfund site in New Bedford, Massachusetts. RESULTS: Medians (ranges) for the sum of four prevalent PCB congeners and DDE levels were 0.19 (0.01-4.41) and 0.30 (0-10.29) ng/g serum, respectively. For the 542 subjects with an NBAS exam at 2 weeks, we observed consistent inverse associations between cord serum PCB and DDE levels and NBAS measures of alertness, quality of alert responsiveness, cost of attention, and other potential attention-associated measures including self-quieting and motor maturity. For example, the decrement in quality of alert responsiveness score was -0.51 (95% confidence interval, -0.99 to -0.03) for the highest quartile of exposure to the sum of four prevalent PCB congeners compared with the lowest quartile. We found little evidence for an association with infant orientation, habituation, and regulation of state, assessed as summary cluster measures. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide evidence for an association between low-level prenatal PCB and DDE exposures and poor attention in early infancy. Further analyses will focus on whether organochlorine-associated decrements in attention and attention-related skills in infancy persist in later childhood. KEY WORDS: behavior, infant, organochlorines, p,p'-dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethene (DDE), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Environ Health Perspect 116:666-673 (2008). doi:10.1289/ehp.10553 available via http://dx.doi.org/ [Online 24 January 2008]

The impact of the individual fish variability and fisheries management on the extent of the human dietary intake of organochlorines from the Northern Baltic herring was studied. The analysis suggests that regulating the consumption of herring is more effective in the risk management of such organochlorines, as compared to the regulation of fishing.

In 1992 we collected 22 failed California Clapper Rail (Rallus longirostris obsoletus) eggs from four tidal marshes of south San Francisco Bay for organochlorine analysis and determination of eggshell thickness. Mean eggshell thickness of these eggs (262 microns) was not statistically distinguishable from that of pre-1932 museum eggs (271 microns). Total PCB concentrations in eggs ranged from 0.65 to 5.01 [micro]g [g.sup.-1] on an adjusted fresh wet weight basis, with a geometric mean concentration of 1.30 [micro]g [g.sup.-l]. DDE concentrations were extremely low at a geometric mean of 0.11 [micro]g [g.sup.-1]. Geometric mean concentrations of all other organochlorines detected were below 0.10 [micro] g [g.sup.-l]. The concentrations of all organochlorines except PCBs appear to have declined in California Clapper Rails since the mid 1980s. PCBs may still be high enough in some rail eggs to produce embryotoxic effects but additional work to quantify the more toxic PCB congeners in rail eggs is needed. Key words: California Clapper Rail, eggs, organochlorines, San Francisco Bay.

The contamination of breast milk with organochlorines is examined, focusing on the extent of contamination amongst women in the Ukraine. Research suggests that exposure to pesticides has increased the incidence of breast milk contamination.

The amount of tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in breast milk is examined, focusing on how TCDD has contaminated breast milk and animal-derived foodstuffs. Research suggests that cotton defoliants used in foodstuff manufacturing are contaminated with TCDD, thereby contaminating animal-derived food.

Introduction Reduced birth weight is associated with increased short- and long-term morbidities and mortality (McIntire et al. 1999; Risnes et al. 2011). This is in line with the developmental origins [...], BACKGROUND: Some legacy and emerging environmental contaminants are suspected risk factors for intrauterine growth restriction. However, the evidence is equivocal, in part due to difficulties in disentangling the effects of mixtures. OBJECTIVES: We assessed associations between multiple correlated biomarkers of environmental exposure and birth weight. METHODS: We evaluated a cohort of 1,250 term (> 37 weeks gestation) singleton infants, born to 513 mothers from Greenland, 180 from Poland, and 557 from Ukraine, who were recruited during antenatal care visits in 2002-2004. Secondary metabolites of diethylhexyl and diisononyl phthalates (DEHP, DiNP), eight perfluoroalkyl acids, and organochlorines (PCB-153 and p,p'-DDE) were quantifiable in 72-100% of maternal serum samples. We assessed associations between exposures and term birth weight, adjusting for co-exposures and covariates, including prepregnancy body mass index. To identify independent associations, we applied the elastic net penalty to linear regression models. RESULTS: Two phthalate metabolites (MEHHP, MOiNP), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and pyp'-DDE were most consistently predictive of term birth weight based on elastic net penalty regression. In an adjusted, unpenalized regression model of the four exposures, 2-SD increases in natural log-transformed MEHHP, PFOA, and p,p'-DDE were associated with lower birth weight: -87 g (95% CI: -137, -340 per 1.70 ng/mL), -43 g (95% CI: -108, 23 per 1.18 ng/mL), and -135 g (95% CI: -192, -78 per 1.82 ng/g lipid), respectively; and MOiNP was associated with higher birth weight (46 g; 95% CI: -5, 97 per 2.22 ng/mL). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that several of the environmental contaminants, belonging to three chemical classes, may be independently associated with impaired fetal growth. These results warrant follow-up in other cohorts. http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1408933

Exposure to organochlorines found in pesticides does not appear to increase a woman's risk of breast cancer. Researchers tested blood samples from 240 women who had given blood several years before developing breast cancer and 240 who did not develop breast cancer. The samples were tested for two organochlorine compounds, 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (DDE) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Women with the highest blood levels of these chemicals actually had a slightly lower risk of developing breast cancer compared to women with the lowest blood levels.

Introduction Fetal growth is an important indicator of child health because its impairment may be associated with poor neurodevelopment (Richards et al. 2002) and with chronic diseases in adulthood (Barker [...], BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported decreases in birth size associated with exposure to organochlorine compounds (OCs), but uncertainties remain regarding the critical windows of prenatal exposure and the effects on fetal body segments. OBJECTIVE: We examined the relationship between prenatal OC concentrations and fetal anthropometry. METHODS: We measured 4,4'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (4,4'-DDE), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners (138, 153, and 180) in 2,369 maternal and 1,140 cord serum samples in four Spanish cohorts (2003-2008). We used linear mixed models to obtain longitudinal growth curves for estimated fetal weight (EFW), abdominal circumference (AC), biparietal diameter (BPD), and femur length (FL) adjusted by parental and fetal characteristics. We calculated standard deviation (SD) scores of growth at 0-12, 12-20, and 20-34 weeks of gestation as well as size at gestational week 34 for the four parameters. We studied the association between OCs and the fetal outcomes by cohort-specific linear models and subsequent meta-analyses. RESULTS: PCBs were associated with a reduction in AC up to mid-pregnancy, and BPD and FL from gestational week 20 onward. An inverse association was also found between HCB and AC growth in early pregnancy. The reduction of these parameters ranged from -4% to -2% for a doubling in the OC concentrations. No association between 4,4'-DDE and fetal growth was observed. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study to report an association between prenatal exposure to some PCBs and HCB and fetal growth: AC during the first two trimesters of pregnancy, and BPD and FL later in pregnancy. http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1408907

Organochlorine residues can make birds unfit for human consumption. The high level of consumption of goldeneyes demand that a study of organochlorine contamination of the species be conducted. Analysis of breast muscles of goldeneyes revealed low concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyl and dichlorodinphenyldichloroethylene although there were high levels found in fat. It is suggested that fat be removed from goldeneyes before eating to reduce health risks associated with organochlorine residues.

Aerosolized Nanomaterials in Environmental Studies Many laboratories are conducting research on engineered carbonaceous nanomaterials (CNMs) in environmentally relevant systems, but laboratory exposures during procedures used in this research have not [...]

Introduction Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) such as hexachlorobenzene (HCB), β-hexachlorocyclohexane (βHCH), and 1,1,1,-trichloro-2,2,bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT) were used as insecticides and fungicides for decades until the 1980s (Barber et al. 2005; Jaga and [...], BACKGROUND: Few human studies have evaluated the impact of childhood exposure to organochlorine pesticides (OCP) on pubertal development. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated associations of serum OCP concentrations [hexachlorobenzene (HCB), β-hexachlorocyclohexane (βHCH), and p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE)] with age at attainment of sexual maturity among boys. METHODS: From 2003 through 2005, 350 8- to 9-year-old boys from Chapaevsk, Russia, with measured OCPs were enrolled and followed annually for 8 years. We used multivariable interval-censored models to evaluate associations of OCPs (quartiles) with three physician-assessed measures of sexual maturity: Tanner stage 5 for genitalia growth, Tanner stage 5 for pubic hair growth, or testicular volume (TV) ≥ 20 mL in either testis. RESULTS: In adjusted models, boys with higher HCB concentrations achieved sexual maturity reflected by TV ≥ 20 mL a mean of 3.1 months (95% CI: -1.7, 7.8), 5.3 months (95% CI: 0.6, 10.1), and 5.0 months (95% CI: 0.2, 9.8) later for quartiles Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively, compared with Q1 (p trend = 0.04). Tanner stage 5 for genitalia growth was attained a mean of 2.2 months (95% CI: -3.1, 7.5), 5.7 months (95% CI: 0.4, 11.0), and 3.7 months (95% CI: -1.7, 9.1) later for quartiles Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively, of βHCH compared with Q1 (p trend = 0.09). Tanner stage 5 for pubic hair growth occurred 6-9 months later on average for boys in the highest versus lowest quartile for HCB (p trend < 0.001), βHCH (trend p = 0.01), and p,p'-DDE (p trend = 0.04). No associations were observed between p,p'-DDE and Tanner stage 5 for genitalia growth or TV ≥ 20 mL. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Higher prepubertal serum HCB and βHCH concentrations were associated with a later age at attainment of sexual maturity. Only the highest quartile of serum p,p'-DDE was associated with later pubic hair maturation. http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1409022

The fate of toxic chemicals released into the environment and the consequences for health are of great concern. Among the most toxic of all synthetic chemicals are polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). These two classes of chemicals have already been found in several species of fish. Since these chemicals are more soluble in oil, they are found in the fatty tissues of fish, and are present in larger amounts in fishes with more fatty tissue, such as herring and salmon. Since these poisons are already known to occur in fish in the Baltic Seas, many are concerned about whether these same substances are accumulating in the bodies of people who eat fish taken from the Baltic region. A study was undertaken in Sweden to determine if the presence of PCDDs and PCDFs in human tissues were correlated with the consumption of fish from the Baltic Sea. A total of 29 men were studied. Of these, nine never ate fish, and nine ate fish about once a week, which is average in Sweden. The remaining 11 men were fishermen and fish industry workers and consumed large quantities of fish. Blood samples of the subjects were analyzed for the quantities of normal fatty acids and for the presence of many different organochlorine compounds from the PCDD and PCDF classes. The results demonstrate a clear difference among the three levels of fish intake, although the differences varied depending upon the individual chemical compound considered. The differences were particularly striking for the substance 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran. While the subjects who consumed more fish had more of these toxic compounds in their bodies, the potential for health problems is not certain. Since eating fish is generally thought to confer some health benefits, it is not even clear if the presence of these toxic compounds in the fish is sufficient to warrant a reduction in fish consumption. The results of the study do indicate, however, that PCDFs and PCDDs persist in the environment and find their way into human tissues, underscoring the importance of identifying the sources of these pollutants and trying to limit exposure as much as possible. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are compounds which have structures containing two linked hexagonal rings (biphenyl) containing several chlorine atoms at positions along the hexagonal structures. PCBs are no longer used in industry due to their toxicity, but the mixtures of chlorinated biphenyls used in industrial PCBs are still being investigated to determine which ones are particularly toxic. The PCBs that lack a carbon in the second, or ortho, position are flat molecules. They are structurally and toxicologically similar to dioxins, and are more toxic than ortho-chlorinated molecules. However, there are more ortho-chlorinated molecules in industrial PCB mixtures. To determine the relative toxicity of ortho-chlorinated biphenyls, the effects of six such biphenyls on chick embryos were examined. Three of the six ortho biphenyls had chlorines at the third position, next to the ortho chlorines, and these three biphenyls were 10 times stronger in their ability to increase production of a chick liver enzyme (a sign of PCB toxicity) and to cause chick embryo malformation. The more toxic ortho biphenyls were still 1,000 times less toxic than the flat, non-ortho PCBs. However, the study suggests that due to the much higher concentrations of ortho PCBs than non-ortho PCBs in industrial PCB mixtures, the ortho PCBs are likely to contribute to the overall toxicity of PCB mixtures. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Lindane is an organochlorine compound that was introduced as an insecticide in l942. Due to its long duration of biological activity, wood treated with Lindane remains ''pest free'' for many years. This compound, also known as gamma-benzene hexachloride, is used to treat scabies and pediculosis (contagious skin diseases caused by mites and lice, respectively). Lindane can be absorbed through the skin, and is predominantly stored in fatty tissue. Case histories are presented of three patients with aplastic anemia who had substantial prior exposure to organochlorine compounds. Aplastic anemia is a serious condition in which the bone marrow fails to produce adequate numbers of blood cells; affected patients generally do not respond to usual treatments for anemia. One case, a 12-year-old boy, was exposed to organochlorine during pest control efforts in his own home; the second, a 28-year-old male, used a derivative product to treat woodwork during a renovation; and the third, a 26-year-old male, was occupationally exposed. The temporal association between chemical exposure and the development of aplastic anemia supported the determination of chemical toxicity in these three cases. Lindane and pentachlorophenol were each extracted from fatty tissue of one patient. The mechanism of organochlorine toxicity on hematopoiesis (blood cell production) is discussed; organochlorine compounds or their metabolites may produce an autoimmune reaction that causes continuing bone marrow damage and, thus, aplastic anemia. More intensive record keeping of similar exposures and injuries is necessary to identify and confirm the hazard potential of these insecticides. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Introduction Endometriosis, characterized by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside of the uterus, is associated with substantial morbidity, including severe, chronic pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and infertility [...], BACKGROUND: Endometriosis is considered an estrogen-dependent disease. Persistent environmental chemicals that exhibit hormonal properties, such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), may affect endometriosis risk. OBJECTIVE: We investigated endometriosis risk in relation to environmental exposure to OCPs. METHODS: We conducted the present analyses using data from the Women&apos;s Risk of Endometriosis (WREN) study, a population-based case--control study of endometriosis conducted among 18- to 49-year-old female enrollees of a large health care system in western Washington State. OCP concentrations were measured in sera from surgically confirmed endometriosis cases (n = 248) first diagnosed between 1996 and 2001 and from population-based controls (n = 538). We estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% CIs using unconditional logistic regression, adjusting for age, reference date year, serum lipids, education, race/ethnicity, smoking, and alcohol intake. RESULTS: Our data suggested increased endometriosis risk associated with serum concentrations of [beta]-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) (third vs. lowest quartile: OR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.0, 2.8; highest vs. lowest quartile OR = 1.3; 95% CI: 0.8, 2.4) and mirex (highest vs. lowest category: OR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.0, 2.2). The association between serum [beta]-HCH concentrations and endometriosis was stronger in analyses restricting cases to those with ovarian endometriosis (third vs. lowest quartile: OR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.5, 5.2; highest vs. lowest quartile: OR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.1, 5.3). CONCLUSIONS: In our case--control study of women enrolled in a large health care system in the U.S. Pacific Northwest, serum concentrations of [beta]-HCH and mirex were positively associated with endometriosis. Extensive past use of environmentally persistent OCPs in the United States or present use in other countries may affect the health of reproductive-age women. http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1306648

Introduction Childhood obesity is of public health concern worldwide (Lobstein et al. 2004). In the United States, the prevalence of obesity among children 6-11 years of age increased from 4% [...], BACKGROUND: In some previous studies, prenatal exposure to persistent organochlorines such as 1,1,-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (p,p'-DDE), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) has been associated with higher body mass index (BMI) in children. OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to evaluate the association of maternal serum levels of β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH), p,p'-DDE, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p'-DDT), dieldrin, heptachlor epoxide, HCB, r/Z/zs-nonachlor, oxychlordane, and PCBs with offspring obesity during childhood. METHODS: The analysis was based on a subsample of 1,915 children followed until 7 years of age as part of the U.S. Collaborative Perinatal Project (CPP). The CPP enrolled pregnant women in 1959-1965; exposure levels were measured in third-trimester maternal serum that was collected before these organochlorines were banned in the United States. Childhood overweight and obesity were defined using age- and sex-specific cut points for BMI as recommended by the International Obesity Task Force. RESULTS: Adjusted results did not show clear evidence for an association between organochlorine exposure and obesity; however, a suggestive finding emerged for dieldrin. Compared with those in the lowest quintile (dieldrin, < 0.57 µg/L), odds of obesity were 3.6 (95% CI: 1.3, 10.5) for the fourth and 2.3 (95% CI: 0.8, 7.1) for the highest quintile. Overweight and BMI were unrelated to organochlorine exposure. CONCLUSIONS: In this population with relatively high levels of exposure to organochlorines, no clear associations with obesity or BMI emerged. http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1205901

Organochlorine compounds have become widely distributed in our environment, following their introduction as pesticides during World War II. In general, they are very resistant to metabolic breakdown, and they tend [...], Organochlorine pesticide residues were determined for adipose tissue samples of 25 persons from El Paso, Texas, during the fall of 1983 and spring of 1984. DDT occurred in 72 percent of the samples with a mean value of 1.50 ppm, while the DDT breakdown product, DDE, occurred in 100 percent of the samples with a higher mean level of 4.96 ppm. This indicates primarily past widespread exposure for DDT, or possibly current food and water sources from areas of past DDT application. Lindane occurred in 96 percent of the samples, with a mean value of 0.20 ppm, and no breakdown products were detected. This indicates widespread, more recent exposure for lindane, from a dispensed source such as water or food. Heptachlor and its breakdown product, heptachlor epoxide, occurred in 44 percent and 12 percent of the samples, with mean value of 0.12 ppm and 0.01 ppm respectively. This indicates more recent, possibly area-related exposure for heptachlor.